Abstract

Objectives: This study focused on how transitional justice mechanism can be used to achieve the rehabilitation of IDPs back in their community of origin in the Northeast Nigeria after safe return. Methods: The study employed mixed method through the administration of questionnaire on one hundred and seventy (170) randomly selected IDPs at Marte camp in Maiduguri, Borno State and validated the results by further conducting key informant interview with ten (10) purposively selected key informants. Results: The findings of the study revealed a strong relationship. This implies that there is a positive link between transitional justice mechanism and IDPs willingness to rehabilitate. Specifically, the selected transitional justice mechanism like criminal prosecutions, truth commissions, reparations programs, and various kinds of institutional reforms accounted for a modest 68.2% (O.R =0.682; p<0.05) change in the willingness of the IDPs to accept a voluntary rehabilitation. Conclusions: The study concluded that transitional justice mechanism is a factor and should be viewed as a major solution for promoting rehabilitation in a post-conflict context. The study recommended that governments and policymakers should also prioritize the full restoration of peace and safety of the rehabilitated IDPs and their communities in the Northeast Nigeria.